Examining the association between media multitasking, and performance on working memory and inhibition tasks

Abstract Media multitasking has been investigated for its links to executive functions (EFs). Research in the area produced mixed outcomes which may part be due an extreme groups approach data analysis. This study avoided this issue by using media as a continuous variable examine relationship with EFs of working memory (WM) and inhibition. Participants completed tasks assessing WM (Digit Ordering Task), inhibition (Spatial Stroop Task) task employing both (Go/No-Go low high loads). After controlling effect age, IQ attentional impulsivity, there was marginally significant association between higher levels greater capacity scores. scores also had more efficient go trial performance task) suggested superior processing speed. There trend towards significance associated poorer on outcome measures (lower accuracy Spatial incongruent condition, Go/No-Go task; trials load congruent distractor condition no-go cognitive condition). The different pattern further illustrates complexity understanding EFs.